Portable computing system and portable computer for use with same

ABSTRACT

A system comprises a portable device having at least one storage component, a reader for interaction with the portable device to communicate with the data storage component, a processor for providing the reader and the portable device with computing capabilities, and a link for communication to a network

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/402,712 filed Mar. 12, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/099,000, filed Apr. 7, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No.7,533,408), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/461,303, filed on Jun. 13, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,275), and isa continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/099,032, filedApr. 7, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,484), which claims priority toU.S. application Ser. No. 61/028,373, filed Feb. 13, 2008, and alsoclaims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 61/365,061 filed Jul. 16,2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computing systems and in particular toa portable computer that is small in size so as to be easily carried,and yet have the capabilities of a conventional large scale computer,and also secure to address concerns as to data theft and corruption.

BACKGROUND

Computers have historically been large in size based on the componentsrequired for providing sufficient computing capabilities, such asmainframe computers. With the advent of personal computers, computerswhich once would fill the size of a room were able to be reduced down insize so as to be contained within a single desktop device. However,desktop computers which require a large tower to house the processingcomponents, a monitor and keyboard are not conducive to be taken fromplace to place. Instead, laptop computers were developed to contain thecomputer processing capabilities, monitor and keyboard within a smallerunitary package, in order to allow transport from place to place.However, laptop computers are still fairly large in size and alsosacrifice quality as compared to desktop computers. Moreover, desktop,laptop and mainframe computers all suffer from being susceptible to datacorruption from viruses or worms, and also to data theft from hackers.While computers need to be immune to these threats, they also need to beportable and convenient to use easily almost anywhere.

There is a need for a computing system that is portable, can be used ina number of different applications, and protects sensitive information.The present invention provides a computing system that satisfies theseneeds and provides additional advantages.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a systemcomprising a portable device having at least one storage component, areader for interaction with the portable device to communicate with thedata storage component, a processor for providing the reader and theportable device with computing capabilities, and a link forcommunication to a network.

In certain embodiments, a hand-held sized, portable computer and acomputing system may be provided comprised of at least one portablecomputer and at least one reader configured to interact with portablecomputers. The portable computer has all of the components of a fullyfunctional conventional, general purpose computer. The portable computermay be small in size. In one embodiment, it is the size of a creditcard. In other embodiments, it is the size of multiple credit cardsstacked on top of one another. In yet further embodiments, it is encasedand dimensions may vary, as desired, from small to large, such as anyconfigurations of length L1, width W1 and height H1. The foregoingdimensions may allow the portable computer to be easily carried in awallet or one's pocket. Various embodiments provide the versatility of a“Pocket PC” with the advantages and capabilities of a traditionalcomputer. For example, the portable computer is easily transportable andthe portable computer reader provides use of a full computer with afull-sized screen, keyboard, etc.

In certain embodiments, the portable computer is operable only when usedwith a reader. The portable computer reader supplies the means for auser to interact with the portable computer and the programs thereon;for example, the portable computer reader can comprise a monitor and/ora keyboard. In essence, the portable computer reader is anon-functioning “shell” when not connected to the portable computer.However, once the portable computer is connected to the portablecomputer reader, the portable computer and the portable computer readercreate a fully operational computing system. The portable computer thusacts as the brain and the portable computer reader operates as the bodywhich will perform the functions, however, without the brain, the bodywill do nothing.

When a user is finished, he or she simply removes the portable computerand can take it with him or her. Because the portable computer reader isa shell, none of the user's information is left behind. All cookies,keystrokes, downloaded files, etc. remain with the portable computer.Thus, various embodiments do not make any information, includingsensitive information, available to subsequent users of the portablecomputer reader. In addition, there is virtually no danger that theportable computer reader could be affected by a computer virus for thissame reason, as there is no capability for the portable computer readerto retain any data from a previous person's use. As a result, theapplications for the portable computer are almost limitless wheresecurity and privacy of content is a concern, and where there may beconcern of corruption by viruses or worms. For example, applicationsinclude, but are not limited to, hotels, internet cafes or other publiclocations, such as libraries or universities, etc.

The portable computer comprises additional levels of security. Forexample, in one embodiment, components of the printed circuit board ofthe computer are coated with a coating. The coating may make thecomponents brittle, causing them to break when they are tampered with.The coating may make the components sticky, making it extremelydifficult to remove them from the PCB. In addition, in otherembodiments, the PCB and other components of the portable computer areencased within a rigid casing. Finally, the portable computer maycomprise an RFID tag configured to interact with an RFID reader of thecomputing system. The RFID reader and/or RFID tag make a loud audiblesound or trip a “silent alarm” when the portable computer is moved to orlocated in an impermissible location, for example, where an unauthorizeduser attempts to move the portable computer from a location containingmultiple computer readers.

Finally, in certain embodiments, the portable computer may comprise oneor more flash memory devices or flash drives. A flash drive is a storagedevice that uses flash_memory rather than conventional spinning plattersto store data. Advantages of using flash memory or flash, drives withthe portable computer is that there is little delay time when startingup, such as is the case when booting conventional computers. Also, flashmemory is non-volatile, which means that it does not need power tomaintain the information stored in the device. As a result, the portablecomputer requires only low power for operation, which can be readilysupplied by batteries or similar low power sources, such as solar cells.The flash memory can also be tailored to provide as much storagecapacity as may be desired depending on the particular application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable computeraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portablecomputer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portablecomputer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a computing systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a computing systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a computing systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a computing systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of various embodiments of a portablecomputer reader according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portablecomputer according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the portable computer shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following embodiments of the invention may be implemented usinghardware or software or any combination of the two where desired.Various embodiments may also be implemented using commercially availabletechnology.

The invention comprises, in various embodiments, a portable computer,which may be referred to as a “Pocket PC.” The invention also comprisesa computing system having at least one portable computer and one or moreportable computer readers. Versions of the portable computer, computingsystem and method of using same are shown and described in Applicant'sco-pending application Ser. No. 12/099,000, which is incorporated byreference. Versions of the computer readers and method of using same aredescribed in Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 12/099,032,which is also incorporated by reference. Applicant's co-pending patentapplication Ser. No. 10/461,303, which is incorporated by reference,also describes various embodiments of a portable computer, computingsystem and method.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, in one exemplary embodiment, the portablecomputer comprises a card, preferable, the size of a credit card so asto be easily carried in one's pocket or wallet. The portable computerreader, shown in FIGS. 4-7, comprises a reader, which is described inmore detail below. The portable computer readers may comprise a maindocking station that is a computer keyboard and monitor, phone or cellphone. Any of the portable computer readers may also include a cardreader and/or a biometric reader, as described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the portable computer is hand-held, transferable,removable and portable. As provided above, the computer may be a card.As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment (“Portable Computer ‘A’”), thecomputer is a card with a CPU, reader contacts and memory. As shown inFIG. 3 (“Portable Computer ‘C’”), in another embodiment, the computermay comprise only a memory and reader contacts. All of the componentsshown in FIGS. 1 and 3 may be on a surface of the card, preferably,embedded thereon, or may be internally within the card. The cards haveembedded integrated circuits which can process information. This impliesthat the computer can receive input which is processed—by way of the ICCapplications—and delivered as an output.

The card may be of any desired size and thickness, which may also beattributed to desired capabilities and technologies used, such asmemory/storage requirements. Dimensions are normally credit card size.The card may meet ID-1 of ISO/IEC 7810 standard, which defines card sizeas 85.60×53.98 mm. Thus, the card is generally no larger thanapproximately 90 mm by 60 mm and no greater than approximately 80 mmthick. The card may be other sizes such as ID-000 which is 25×15 mm. Thecard may be about 0.76 mm thick. The card may also have at least onemeans for attaching the card to a rope, chain, string, etc. for easytransportation. Such means may be a hole or opening in the card or ahook or fastener attached to the card.

As shown in FIG. 2 (“Dual Layer Portable Computer ‘B’”), in oneembodiment, the computer comprises at least two cards connected.Preferably, the cards are stacked one on top of the other but may beconnected in other ways. The cards may be credit card sized, asdescribed above. The cards may be stacked directly on top of one anotheror there may be a space between that may hold computing components. Thetop card may comprise a controller, CPU and GPS and a female connectoron an edge. It may also comprise additional elements such as a GPS chip,processor, RFID crypto memory, logic element, specialized readercontact, controller, microprocessor, and means for interacting with theportable computer readers, such as pins, USB, etc. The bottom card maycomprise all memory. It would be understood that the cards may comprisedifferent elements than shown. In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9and 10, the portable computer contains its computing components within ahousing so that the physical components are not easily removable fromthe portable computer. In this embodiment, the computer is preferably abox or rectangular prism but may take other shapes. The portablecomputer may take other forms larger or smaller than a credit card, forexample, a compact disc, cell phone, PDA, Smartphone, etc. Either cardmay also have at least one means for attaching the card to a rope,chain, string, etc. for easy transportation. Such means may be a hole oropening in the case or a hook or fastener attached to the card.

Regardless of the form of the computer, in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the portable computer may contain all of the componentsof a fully functional, conventional general purpose computer but,generally, is without means for interacting with the computer, asdescribed below. “General purpose computer” means that the computercontains sufficient hardware and software that will enable a user to domany different things with the computer such as type documents, sende-mail, browse the Internet and play games. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the portable computer comprises only a memory and ISO 7816reader contacts for connecting to the portable computer readers.

As shown, at the least, the portable computer's components include amain or primary memory and a connector for connecting to a reader. Theconnector may be a female connector for receiving pins. The connectormay be comprised of a grid of conductive targets on a printed circuitboard (see e.g., FIGS. 9 and 10). The targets may be coated with anon-corrosive plating to prevent excessive wear on the targets fromrepeated contact with the connector of the reader. The reader maycomprise the connector body so that the portable computer need onlycomprise a pattern of plated, copper pads to complete the electricalconnection to the reader. The portable computer connector may be goldplated.

As provided above, the portable computer may comprise at least onestorage component such as memory. Two classes of solid state memory(i.e., hard drive-type storage) may be available. The memory may be amulti-level cell and a single-level cell. The storage component may alsobe volatile memory. The volatile memory may be a dynamic random accessmemory. The dynamic random access memory may be DDR2. The DDR2 memorymay support processors of speeds of about 400 MHz and about 533 MHz. Inone embodiment, the portable computer comprises both volatile and solidstate memory.

A controller may be incorporated into the portable computer to increasethe transfer rate. The portable computer may also comprise a dynamicmemory. A central processing unit (“CPU”) may reside in the card or theportable computer reader. For example, where minimal processingcapabilities may be required, the CPU may readily be accommodated withinthe computer card. In addition, in embodiments where significantprocessing capabilities are desired, a larger sized CPU may bepreferred, which may be easier to accommodate by locating the CPU in theportable computer reader, such as in the keyboard and/or monitor.Alternatively, the CPU may be located in the computer reader, asdescribed below.

The CPU is preferably a microprocessor as is known in the art. The CPU,preferably, is designed for portability. As such, it may include 800 MHzof speed so that it uses less power, for example, 0.65 watts and isbuilt to run without active cooling such as a fan. Such a processor maybe an “ATOM” processor from INTEL®. The ATOM processors used may be theZ500, Z510, Z520, Z530 and Z540 and subsequent versions. The processormay be available in a 441 pin FCBGA package. The processor may beprocured in bare die form and placed as a “flip chip.” The combineddie-solder package will reduce the processor height to about 0.48 mm. ASystem Controller Hub may be available in a 1249 pin flip chip ball gridarray (FCBFA) package with a height about 2.1 mm. Reducing the packageto a bare die leaves a vertical height of about 0.9 mm. The main memoryis accessible to the CPU. In one embodiment, there are levels of storageand the primary storage is accessible only to the CPU. The primarystorage may comprise processor registers and cache, ROM, as well asBIOS, RAM, magnetic or optical storage. The primary memory may bevolatile or non-volatile. The portable computer may also have anon-volatile, read-write, secondary storage, which may not be readableby the CPU. Secondary storage may comprise a hard drive or opticalstorage devices, such as CD and DVD drives, flash memory (e.g. USBsticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, standalone RAMdisks, and ZIP drives. Preferably, the secondary storage is formattedaccording to a file system format. Where the portable computer isdesired to be particularly small, it may not contain a hard drive.Rather, it may contain only ROM and/or RAM, wherein the RAM may be aflash drive.

Loaded onto the memory, preferably, onto the RAM, is software that isexecuted in the central processing unit. Such software may includeapplication software such as word processors, system software such asoperating systems, which interface with hardware-to provide thenecessary services for application software, and middleware whichcontrols and coordinates distributed systems. The applications may alsoinclude control applications. Control applications enable the portablecomputer to generate control signals interpretable by the portablecomputer reader, which is explained in more detail below. Controlapplications may generate a user interface on a display of the portablecomputer reader and receive user inputs into the portable computerreader by means of the input/output devices in the portable computerreader, which are shown in FIGS. 4-7 and described below. The controlapplications translate the user inputs into control signals provided tothe portable computer reader.

The system software may include device drivers, diagnostic tools,servers, windowing systems and utilities. In one embodiment, theportable computer comprises the hardware necessary to run theaforementioned software. In other embodiments, this hardware is a partof the portable computer reader. Application software may includebusiness software, educational software, medical software, databases,word processing software and computer games. The software includes anoperating system such as Microsoft Windows® or Windows Mobile, NetBSD,Mac OS X, Linux, Palm OS or Windows Mobile. Where the processor is anATOM™ processor, the portable computer may support Mac OS X. Theoperating system may be capable of using the TCP/IP networkingprotocols, has a graphical interface and device drivers. The operatingsystem may be placed on the portable computer by the manufacturer orlater downloaded by the user. Synchronization can be performed using theoperating system's intrinsic tools. This will transfer user parameters,data files, e-mail settings, etc. to the portable computer. The capacityand speed of each core unit can be made compatible with thestate-of-the-art computer science as with the enclosures used.

The portable computer may also comprise, but is not limited to, variousactivation means, a video display controller, SCSI controller, videocard, a graphics processing unit, graphics card, graphics chip, soundcard, sound interface such as an AC97 interface, sound producing means,input/output controller means, PCMCIA controller, a graphics controllerand a serial controller, a power source, which may include an electricaltransformer that regulates the electricity used by the computer andmeans for communication with outside sources of data and information.Preferably, the aforementioned components (CPU, RAM, hard drives, etc.)are attached to a motherboard. The motherboard or circuit board may be aprinted circuit board comprising a plurality of stacks. In oneembodiment, the printed circuit board is an 8 layer stackup. The PCB maybe about 0.075 mm in width. Optimal trace impedance for high-speedtraces; e.g., memory and front-side bus, USB, LVDS, etc. is about 50 Ωto about 100 Ω. With a per-layer thickness of about 0.11 mm, the overallstack-up thickness of the portable computer may be about 0.77 mm. Themotherboard may also include a PCI or a planar device for attachingperipheral devices to the motherboard or devices located on or in theportable computer reader. All of the aforementioned components (CPU,RAM, hard drives, etc.) may be attached to a motherboard. Themotherboard may be within the portable computer or may be within theportable computer reader.

The portable computer may also comprise a GPS chip, a specialized readercontact, a logic element, a smart card device, and/or RFID cryptomemory. The specialized reader contact is the interface to theports/card readers' specialized readers. It may utilize ISO-7816 patternlocations for interface to the single chip smart card microprocessor,and AFNOR pattern locations for interface to the logic element. Thelogic element acts as the “policeman” of the card. It directs messagetraffic and interrogates readers and secure keys to allow access to thecompartmentalized data contained in the flash memory. This device mayinteract with the smartcard chip and the GPS device over SPIcommunication links. Only if the correct security is met will dataaccess be allowed. The RFID crypto memory may comprise an ISO 14443compliant contact-less RFID. This allows for expanded use of the card inproximity ID applications. For example, the portable computer maycommunicate with the reader in a contactless manner, via the RFID. Thesubsystem is powered up in the presence of an ISO 14443 compliant reader(or, the portable computer reader could be such a reader). Limitedduplicate data is stored in encrypted form in CryptoRF memory for accessby RFID systems employing the standard protocol. The smart card deviceis a specifically designed secure micro controller targeted for theexisting smart card market, such as produced by ATMEL. The device runsspecific application software that allows for standard smartcard,javacard, and secure partitioning control.

To provide a suitably fast boot scenario; e.g., about 15 seconds boottime, the portable computer may use a technique to accelerate startuptime. When instructed to shut down, the portable computer may save thecontents of its volatile memory to flash in a hibernation process. Thisprocess is supported in Windows operating systems, as example. Torestart, the portable computer needs only to reload the contents of itsmemory; a process which generally takes less than about 10 seconds.

Any version the portable computer may be encased in a housing. FIGS. 9and 10 show the embodiment of the portable computer 10 comprised of aprinted circuit board 12 having an eight (8) stack-up configuration.Even though an eight stack-up configuration is shown, more or lessstack-ups may be used. The portable computer is encased in a rigidhousing 14. As shown in FIG. 10, the rigid housing 14 “sandwiches” theprinted circuit board 12 and electronic components within two casingportions 16, 18. As explained below, the printed circuit board (or anyportion thereof) may be coated with at least one coating 24, which isshown in FIG. 10. The casing portions 16, 18 may be comprised ofvirtually any rigid material. The casing portions 16, 18 may bethermally conductive. In one embodiment, the casing portions 16, 18 aremetal. The casing portions 16, 18 are attached to form a version of theportable computer, which is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, atleast one of the casing portions 16, 18 may have at least one opening orwindow 20. This opening or window 20 exposes electrical connectors 22 ofthe portable computer 10, which allow the portable computer 10 to beconnected to and interact with at least one reader (not shown). Theseconnectors may be a grid of conductive targets. In the version of theportable computer shown in FIG. 9, the opening 20 is in the upper casingportion 16, however, it may be in the lower casing portion 18, on aside, etc. The casing may also have at least one means for attaching thecasing to a rope, chain, string, etc. for easy transportation. Suchmeans may be a hole or opening in the case or a hook or fastenerattached to the casing. The encased portable computer 10 has length L1,width W1 and height H1. L1 may be about 50 mm to about 200 mm. W1 may beabout 25 mm to about 100 mm and H1 may be about 1 mm to about 20 mm. Inone version, L1 is about 80 mm, W1 is about 50 mm and H1 is about 4.5mm. L1 may be about 82.55 mm. W1 may be about 51.52 mm and H1 may beabout 4.41 mm.

The embedded integrated circuits and other electronic components on anyversion of the portable computer may be coated with the at least onecoating. The coating should at least substantially cover the entireintegrated circuits (or any single integrated circuit or portionthereof) and may be applied to both sides of a printed circuit board ormultiple sides comprising integrated circuits and chips. The coating iscomprised of a material that protects the integrated circuits fromdamage; for example, from water damage or from physical contact withobjects that may damage the circuits. The coating should protect theelectronic assembly or integrated circuit from damage due tocontamination, moisture, fungus, dust and corrosion caused by harsh orextreme environments, etc. The coating material should also protect theintegrity of the integrated circuit components (i.e., from tampering orimproper accessing of stored data); for example, by hindering orpreventing reverse engineering or removal of any circuit components. Inparticular, an epoxy coating may make the integrated circuit componentsor electrical equipment brittle so that any attempt to remove or tamperwith the components would break or shatter the coated components. Alaminate material may also be utilized.

The coating material should also protect the portable computer fromdamage from rough handling, installation, or reduction of mechanical andthermal stress. The coating may be a protective non-conductivedielectric layer that is applied onto the printed circuit boardassembly. The coating may be substantially clear or it may besubstantially or partially opaque. The coating may be hard or may have arubbery or slightly rubbery texture. The coating may provide at leastsome thermal conductivity from the integrated circuits or electroniccomponents. Where the coating is electrically insulating, thermallyconductive elements, such as metals or semi-conductors may be includedin the coatings to dissipate thermal energy. In addition, channels,openings, holes, etc. in the coatings may be provided to dissipate heat.Coatings that may be suitable include silicone, epoxy, acrylic, urethaneand Paraxylene, as examples. Where an epoxy coating is used, the coatingmay disperse heat generated by the processor to thermally-conductivecasing portions, where the heat may be dissipated via a chimney in thecasing. Thus, in one embodiment, epoxy and a thermally conductive, forexample, metal casing, provide protection of and heat dissipation fromthe portable computer.

In addition, any version of the portable computer may include securityinformation in the software. The security information allows onlyauthorized users to access certain information on the computer. Accessinformation may include personal identification numbers, securityquestions, passwords, etc. The portable computer may also contain storedor baseline biometric information such as height, weight, blood type,voice and retinal patterns, fingerprints, pulse rate, etc. The portablecomputer or reader may comprise a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip,which will encrypt and encode both data files and software. Contents ofthe computer may not be accessible without a user providing matchingbiometric information, such as a fingerprint. Preferably, the portablecomputer reader or computer would comprise means for reading thebiometric information. Such means include, but are not limited to, apulse reader, fingerprint reader, retinal scanner, voice recognitionrecorder, etc. For example, the system may include biometric mice as aninput, which includes an integrated fingerprint reader either in thereceiver or the mouse. Such biometric information, readers, storagemeans etc., are disclosed in Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/054,519, the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

The portable computer may also contain at least one sensor configured todetect the portable computer's location and when the portable computerhas left a specified area. The sensor may be embedded or otherwiseattached to the epoxy, or provided at any other desired location in/onthe portable computer. In particular, the sensor may be configured totrack the position of the portable computer within a designated area.Such a sensor may cooperate with a tracking device. For example, thesensor may contain at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit forstoring and processing information, modulating and demodulating asignal, for example, a radio frequency signal, and other specializedfunctions. The second is an antenna for receiving and transmitting thesignal. Such a sensor may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tagand the tracking device may be an RFID reader. The RFID tag may be“active” or “passive.” The RFID tag may contain identifying information,such as the owner of the portable computer, serial number of certainparts, etc. The RFID reader comprises a module (transmitter andreceiver), a control unit and a coupling element (antenna). The RFIDreader may be part of a portable computer reader or may be stand alone.Communication between the tag and the reader may occur wirelessly. Inaddition, either or both of the tag or the reader may be adapted to emitan audible and/or visual signal, for example, when the tag is out of aspecified range of the reader or when the tag is within a specifiedposition relative to the reader. For example, if a user removes theportable computer from a designated area, a loud sound may be emitted bythe portable computer.

In certain embodiments, the computer does not contain means for a userto interact directly with the computer. In other embodiments, thecomputer contains means for interacting therewith. By interactingdirectly it is meant that a user cannot access the software programs,hardware or other functionality such as sounds, visuals, etc., on thecomputer without a portable computer reader, which provides the meansfor accessing the computer, as described below.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, such means for interacting with the computer mayinclude a reader, which is preferably an input and output device. Suchan input/output device may be, for example, a keyboard, display, mouse,speakers, etc. In one embodiment, the portable computer reader providesonly means for a user to interact with or use the portable computer. Theportable computer reader is a “shell” without the portable computer and,therefore, is inoperable for performing computing functions without theportable computer. Once the portable computer is connected to theportable computer reader, preferably, in a plug-and-play style, thesystem becomes a fully operational conventional computer capable of anyknown computing operation. When the portable computer is disconnectedfrom the portable computer reader, the portable computer reader onceagain becomes a shell and the computer cannot be directly accessedunless re-connected to the portable computer reader or another portablecomputer reader.

As provided above, in one embodiment, the portable computer does notcomprise means for a user to interact directly with the contents of thecomputer. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the portable computer doesnot have a display or monitor, a keyboard or keypad, voice input device,etc. Rather, such input devices are included on the portable computerreaders. In other embodiments, the computer may have such input/outputdevices. For example, in one embodiment, the portable computer itself isa cell phone that can access the interne via a wireless network.

The portable computer preferably also has means for connecting to anyportable computer reader, which means that it can be used virtuallyanywhere. “Connecting” refers to being attached or in communication withthe portable computer reader by being affixed to, stored within or inoperable communication with the portable computer reader. As shown inFIG. 2, the female connector may include one uniquely configureduniversal connector portable computer reader that mates with or fitsagainst a power connector source or activating means in any of theportable computer readers in the system. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, theconnecting means may also include a wireless connection between theportable computer and the portable computer readers. Thus, the portablecomputer may have a wireless transmitter and the portable computerreaders have a receiver, or vice versa. The universal connector may be aUSB-type connector. Regardless of the form of the connector, theconnector will be configured to connect to every portable computerreader in the system and provide full computing function once connected.The means for communicating also provides communication or transfer ofinformation over a bus or in a wireless fashion. Preferably, thecomputer and portable computer reader would support various wirelessprotocols including, without limitation, WiFi, Bluetooth™, Wymax, etc.For example, a wireless chip(s) may be contained on the card and/orportable computer reader to accommodate wireless communication withother devices or over the internet.

As provided above, and as shown in FIGS. 4-7, a computing system of thepresent embodiment also comprises at least one portable computer and aplurality of portable computer readers. In one embodiment, theseportable computer readers are located at various locations that arespread out from one another so that a user can take his or her computerwith him or her and use it in remote locations. For example, theportable computer readers can include readers located at centrallocations for access by numerous users, such as located in computercenters, libraries, universities, internet cafes and/or hotels, asexamples. The main function of the portable computer reader is to allowa user to interact with the portable computer. In one embodiment, theportable computer reader is the only device that will allow a user tointeract with the computer, which provides additional security. In otherembodiments, the reader is configured to interact with portablecomputers other than those in the system.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, generally, the portable computer reader comprisesa housing. In various embodiments, the housing may be an input/outputdevice itself. However, in other embodiments, the housing may be standalone—i.e., a reader, which must be connected to an input and/or outputdevice. The portable computer reader housing may be a component of aconventional desktop or laptop computer, such as a keyboard, monitor,tower, mouse, etc. In addition, the housing may comprise operatingsystem support for dynamic hardware components and use an un-dockcommand to release drivers, which are no longer needed once the portablecomputer has been detached from a reader. Similarly, the portablecomputer may execute an undock command prior to enteringhibernation—i.e., when shut down and in the processing of beingwithdrawn from a reader.

The housing may comprise a power supply, Ethernet port or WiFi and USBports. In particular, the housing or readers may comprise at least onepower generating unit with power generation components. The power supplyunit may be configured to convert 100-120 V AC power from the mains tousable low-voltage DC power for the internal components of the computer.The power generating unit may conform with the ATX form factor. Thepower generating unit may be configured to turn on and off using asignal from the motherboard, and to provide support for modern functionssuch as a standby mode. The power generating unit may comprise a PC Mainpower connector for supplying power to the motherboard. The powergenerating unit may also comprise at least one ATX12V 4-pin powerconnector that goes to the motherboard to supply dedicated power for aprocessor. The power generating unit may also have peripheral powerconnectors. The power generating unit may also have auxiliary powerconnectors such as Serial ATA power connectors: a 5-pin connector forcomponents which use SATA power plugs, which may supply power at threedifferent voltages: +3.3, +5, and +12 volts; and a 6-pin connector—mostmodern computer power supplies include 6-pin connectors which aregenerally used for PCI Express graphics cards. The readers may compriseat least one electrical interface for transmitting power to at least oneportable computer and the portable computer may comprises an electricalinterface for receiving power from at least one reader. The electricalinterface of the portable computer may be a plurality of gold-platedpads and the electrical interface of the reader may be a plurality ofpins. The electrical interface from the portable computer to the readershould provide both high current power connections as well as high speeddata connections. The connector is configured to hold up despite atleast 10,000 connect/disconnect cycles. The connector may be a SAMTEC™GFZ style connector, which may have about 100-900 pins. The connectorbody may be connected to the reader whereupon the portable computerconnector would need only a pattern of gold-plated copper pads.

Optional items such as CD/DVD/BlueRay™ players could be implemented as aUSB peripheral or be integrated using a high speed Serial ATA (SATA)interface. In other embodiments, the housing is connected to aninput/output device. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thereader comprises substantially all the elements of a conventionaldesktop computer such as a keyboard, mouse, display, etc. a display ormonitor, a keyboard and a mouse. As shown, it preferably, does not havea structure that would typically house a hard drive because the readeris, preferably, a shell without the portable computer. In other words,it does not contain the inner workings of a traditional desktop computerbut contains the unique configuration of the readers of the presentinvention that allow the readers to interact with the computer butbecome a shell without the computer. The keyboard and display may beconnected by any means known in the art, including a serial bus orwirelessly, for example, by Bluetooth. The mouse may connected by anymeans, including a USB connection. Where the reader is a portablecomputer, such as a laptop, the portable computer and reader maycomprise a power notebook which has a faster CPU and where the readerconnects to the portable computer via a SATA interface.

As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the portable computer readers mayinclude a PDA, a cell phone, or a LAN phone. Where the reader is a cellphone, the card itself has a SIM card so that a user can downloadinformation such as phone numbers to the computer. Where the reader is acell phone, PDA, etc. it may include a custom application providing theinterface to the phone that supports calling SMS and MMS transactions.In addition, special drivers may be included to adapt Windows to small,low resolution screens in some hand-held devices. The reader may also beWiFi enabled. Further, the reader may have a SIM card that can become aphone. In this embodiment, the input device is the keyboard, mouse orPDA touch screen or the PDA or phones' keypad. The output device is thevarious displays, speakers, etc.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the reader appears as a traditionallaptop-type computer. The input device is the keyboard and the outputdevice is the display, speakers, etc. It is noted that the structuresupporting the keyboard, in one embodiment, does not contain the innerworkings of a traditional laptop but contains the unique configurationof the readers of the present invention that allow the readers tointeract with the computer but become a shell without the computer.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the reader is a touch screen, displayor television. Thus, the screen may be the input or output device.Another input/output device may be a microphone. The readers maycomprise additional input/output devices such as printers, opticaldrives, speakers, voice recognition hardware, etc. It would beunderstood that the reader may take many different forms, for example,it may be a “shell” of a CD or DVD player, radio, etc. In otherembodiments, a monitor may be eliminated if desired depending on theapplication and/or other input devices may be utilized instead of akeyboard, such as a touch screen, voice activated input, etc. Theportable computer reader may also be relatively stationary or portable,as may be desired.

In another embodiment (not shown), the reader may be a stand alonereader. The reader would include at least one connector for connectingto a separate input and output device. Such a connector may be a USB orSATA connector. The stand alone reader may also include a power supplyas well as a biometric scanner. The stand alone reader may also compriseVGA, DVI and/or S-video formats.

The readers also comprise at least one connector for attaching theportable computer to the reader. In one embodiment, the connector isattached to the housing of the portable computer readers. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 4-7, the connector is within a slot or holefor receiving the portable computer. The slot may be located anywhere onthe reader, for example, on the keyboard, as shown in FIG. 4 or on themonitor, as shown in FIG. 5. The portable computer reader connector isconfigured to mate with any of the aforementioned universal connectorson the portable computer. The connector may include a bus as is known inthe art.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-6, the portable computer reader(generally, card “B”), utilizes a wireless connection to attach to theportable computer, such as an Ethernet or FireWire. The wirelessconnection may include modems and network cards. These devices may alsoallow the portable computer to interact with other portable computers.The portable computer reader is configured to send input to and outputfrom the operating system in the portable computer. In addition to theaforementioned connection, the portable computer has means forinteracting and communicating with the portable computer reader.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the reader may include a biometric scanner orreader. Such a scanner may include a pulse reader, fingerprint reader,retinal scanner, voice recognition recorder, etc. The system may includebiometric mice as an input, which includes an integrated fingerprintreader either in the receiver or the mouse. Such biometric information,readers, storage means etc., are disclosed in Applicant's U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/054,519, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference herein. In addition, the portable computer may includesecurity information in the software. The security information allowsonly authorized users to access certain information on the computer.Access information may include personal identification numbers, securityquestions, passwords, etc. The portable computer may also contain storedor baseline biometric information such as height, weight, blood type,voice and retinal patterns, fingerprints, pulse rate, etc. In addition,every portable computer may be tied to a biometric fingerprint scanner,which identifies a given user as the owner of the portable computer.Thus, the fingerprint scan can identify whether the user is the licenseethat purchased the portable computer.

As shown in FIG. 8, the portable computer readers preferably have a maincircuit board comprising, at least, a GPS chip, graphics processor, CPU,biometric chip and an I/O chip. Internally, the housing of the portablecomputer reader may also include a heat sink/fan, video cards, PCIbuses, etc. The housing may also include external bus controllers toconnect to external peripherals, speakers, etc. In one embodiment, theportable computer reader supplies power and connections to the portablecomputer and peripherals. However, in other embodiments, the portablecomputer reader does not supply power. Rather, the power is supplied bybatteries or another power source, such as solar power cell, coupled toor provided within the portable computer.

The portable computer reader may contain an AC or DC power source and acontroller interfacing with the portable computer. Furthermore, locationtracking may also be incorporated into the overall system where desired.For example, the reader may be equipped with required front end RF andconversion needed to support a single chip receiver and a globalpositioning system (GPS) processor in the portable computer. An RF feedmay be utilized when the device contained on the card, such as anonboard processor, cannot receive energy from an onboard antenna. In oneembodiment, when connected to a playback/send unit, an electrical pathis created that connects the Antenna on the playback/send card readerunit to the single chip GPS solution. Power is then applied via theplayback/send unit. Upon power-up and a time delay needed for the GPSsignal to be processed, time and location information is available. Thislocation and time information may also be used to time stamp designatedor every transaction in the digital identification card. Furthermore,the playback/send unit may also contain a biometric fingerprint readerthat allows correlation from user to stored biometric information on thecard. Only a correct match will allow access to data on the computer.

In one embodiment, the portable computer reader is not completely ashell without the portable computer but includes storage with softwareloaded thereon for “searching” for a portable computer. Thus, after adevice is inserted into the portable computer reader, the system will“search” automatically for a portable computer. Once the portablecomputer reader finds the portable computer, it substantially,immediately runs the computer programs. In other words, the computerdoes not need to boot up before it is operational. Rather, the portablecomputer is ready to work immediately similar to a digital camera. Asprovided above, the portable computer readers are inert or a shell as ageneral computing device until the portable computer is connectedthereto. The portable computer may be arranged in certain embodiments sothat it does not function and is not activated apart from the portablecomputer reader because the portable computer has all of the componentsof a conventional computer, except possibly a display and an inputsource, such as a keyboard/keypad, and may also include at least oneconnector to a direct power connection, and a communication bus. Inthese embodiments, the reader may comprise a CPU, a graphics processorand a GPS device, a sound card, a heat sink, storage, circuit board,etc.

In another embodiment, the portable computer is a card and the portablecomputer reader is a card reader, as set forth in Applicant's priorpatent application Ser. No. 10/461,303 ('303 Application). The card maybe of any desired size and thickness, which may also be attributed todesired capabilities and technologies used, such as memory/storagerequirements. As noted above, in certain embodiments, the card ispreferably the size of a conventional credit card for easy transport. Inaddition, storage capabilities of the card can range according to theparticular application for the portable computer. Current technologieswould readily accommodate a gigabyte plus on the card and it isanticipated that a terabyte or more would also be capable of residing onthe card. The card and reader may communicate using any of the meansdescribed above, such as over a cellular network. For example, the cardand/or reader may incorporate the requisite components necessary tocommunicate over a cellular network. Alternatively, the card and/orreader may be connected to a cell phone either via a hard-wireconnection or a wireless connection. The cell phone with card may thenbe used for full general computing functions such as accessing theinternet, e-mail, word processing, etc. In this embodiment, the card andreader together comprise all of the elements of a fully functioninggeneral purpose computer. In other embodiment, the card may be used in acard reader, which has a built in camera. The reader, with the card, isable to access the internet to download music, movies, television shows,etc. The reader also may include a GPS system and biometric scanners orreaders. Where the reader includes a biometric reader, it sends thebiometric data to the portable computer for later processing andcomparison. Preferably, the card has software that “times-out” thedownloaded programs and, therefore, makes them unusable after a certainperiod of time. For example, a user may be able to download a movie andthen will have a certain period of time in which to view the movie. Oncethat time expires, or when the user has viewed the movie, it willautomatically be deleted from the card, reader or phone. In anotherembodiment, the user is able to download pre-paid calling minutes to thesystem. Similarly, the system is capable of automatically deleting anydownloaded items if the user violates pre-set terms.

In one embodiment, the computer and portable computer reader form amemory device, such as the identification card described in Applicant'sU.S. Pat. No. 7,139,914 ('914 Patent) and '303 Application, which areincorporated by reference herein, in their entireties. A separatereader, such as those described in the '914 Patent and '303 Application,may be used to read the information on the identification card. Forexample, the portable computer may have electronic files that storepersonal and biometric information. The reader is configured to read thebiometric information stored on the portable computer. The portablecomputer may also comprise a GPS system or location system that maycommunicate by wireless means with a reader in the form of a scanner,when the card is brought into proximity with the scanner, as describedin the '914 Patent and '303 Application. Information may also betransferred from the identification card (portable computer and theportable computer reader), as described in the '914 Patent and '303Application.

In another embodiment, once the portable computer is connected to theportable computer reader, the system becomes a personal digital voicerecorder for persons, including but not limited to medical patients andchildren. In this embodiment, the recorder stores real time voice data,such as non-volatile memory. Recording may start at any desired times,such as by a parent, utilizing the playback/send unit. The recorder maythen be attached to a user, such as a child or patient, and allproximity sound to the child or patient is recorded until either a lowpower condition or a memory full condition is reached. The memory may bescalable according to the amount of recording time and fidelity desiredby the parent or authorized custodial person.

In another embodiment, once the portable computer is connected to theportable computer reader, the system becomes an automatic voicenotebook, such as for health care professionals on rounds as an example.Similar uses, such as by building inspectors, maintenance or securityand Military personnel, as an example, are also anticipated. In thisembodiment, memory, such as non-removable, non-volatile memory, such asflash memory, may be used to store encrypted digital data in the recordunit. A small cell may be used in this unit to keep size and weight to aminimum. A real-time clock may be embedded in the record unit to be usedfor time stamping the recorded voice segments. The record unit may havea connector, such as along its bottom surface, which interfaces with aseparate playback unit, such as when the record unit is inserted into arecessed opening in its top surface. The playback unit may includeconventional features, such as speaker, play button, volume control and“forward/reverse” switch for navigating within the data. Both the recordunit and the playback unit may further have identifying features, suchas matching bar codes on their housings, which can be used to identifythe individual units in case of loss or to confirm identity.

In another embodiment, the portable computer can operate as a backupsystem to a conventional computer. For example, the portable computermay be connected via a portable computer reader or other wired orwireless connector, such as a USB or FireWire port, to the conventionalcomputer, in order to upload data and other information stored on theconventional computer. In addition, in other embodiments, the portablecomputer may operate as a primary computing system when connected to aportable computer reader, such as a shell comprising a monitor andkeyboard. In still other embodiments, the portable computer may beswitched as desired between operating as a backup system or as a primarycomputing system, as described above. Further, in these and otherembodiments, information stored on the portable computer may bedownloaded onto another computing system where desired when connected tothe portable computer, such as via the USB or FireWire port describedabove, or any other wired or wireless means.

In the operation of one embodiment, a user connects a card reader/writerto his or her home or office computer. This is a fully functionalcomputer as in known in the art. The user then inserts a “blank,” or newportable computer (for example, Computer “A,” “B,” or “C”) into the cardreader/writer. Through application software, the user then is promptedto download virtually all information from the home or office computeronto the portable computer. This includes all programs, operatingsystem, etc. The user is then prompted to provide identifying biometricinformation such as a fingerprint or retinal scan. This “baseline”information is stored in the portable computer's memory such that only auser with a match of such information may interact with the portablecomputer. A user is then able to remove the portable computer and takeit with him or her. The user then may connect the portable computer withthe portable computer reader, which, as provided above is a shell untilthe portable computer is connected. Once the portable computer isconnected to the portable computer reader, the reader automaticallysearches for the computer. Once it finds the computer, the user mustlog-on by inputting biometric information. If the information matches,the user is able to interact with the portable computer. Thus, thepresent invention allows a user to securely use his or her computervirtually anywhere.

The present system provides many advantages. First, because the portablecomputer is capable of being operated on almost any portable computerreader, it allows a user to transport essentially an entire computereasily for use anywhere. For example, the portable computer may be thesize of a credit card, so as to be easily carried in a user's pocket orwallet. And, as provided, the portable computer is capable of performingvirtually any computing function once connected to the portable computerreader. Thus, various embodiments of the present invention is notdependent upon a chassis for computing functions such as data retrieval,operating software application, software and video interface. Rather,all of these functions and applications are contained on the portablecomputer. Examples of the present invention contains all of the storage,processing, video interface and software in the portable computer whichallows it to be used with any housing without concern for the version ofoperating software, application software or video setting. A user caneasily carry the portable computer, place within or attach it to aportable computer reader, and then compute as is known in the art. Thismay include accessing the internet, e-mail, drafting and savingdocuments, sending and receiving all types of data, including pictures,video and text, etc. For example, the portable computer reader maycomprise the required software and hardware for accessing the internet,such as modem and Internet Protocol (“IP”) address. In otherembodiments, these devices may be provided on the portable computer. Anadvantage of various embodiments is that many hardware and softwarecomponents that are required for conventional computer operation can becontained within the portable computer reader, which enables theportable computer to contain minimal components, which benefits in thatthe portable computer can be small in size, cost economical to produceand durable. The portable computer acts as the brain and the portablecomputer reader operates as the body which will perform the functions.However, without the brain, the body will do nothing. When the user isfinished computing, he or she simply removes the portable device and cantake it with him or her. Because the portable computer reader is ashell, none of the user's information is left behind. Thus, variousembodiments of the present invention do not make any information,including sensitive information, available to subsequent users of theshell computer. In addition, there is virtually no danger that theportable computer reader could be affected by a computer virus for thissame reason, as there is no capability for the portable computer readerto retain any data from a previous person's use. As a result, theapplications for the portable computer are almost limitless wheresecurity and privacy of content is a concern, and where there may beconcern of corruption by viruses or worms. For example, applicationsinclude, but are not limited to, hotels, interne cafes or other publiclocations, such as libraries or universities, etc. Further, the variousembodiments of the present invention provides the portability of a“Pocket PC” with the advantages of a traditional computer. For example,the portable computer is easily transportable and the portable computerreader provides use of a full computer such as a full-sized screen,larger keyboard, etc. that are not available with traditional PocketPC-type computers. Finally, there is substantially no boot up time withvarious embodiments of the present invention, due to the arrangementand/or nature of technology utilized. For instance, in certainembodiments, the portable computer may comprise one or more flash memorydevices or flash drives. A flash drive is a storage device that usesflash_memory rather than conventional spinning platters to store data.The flash drives tend to physically imitate conventional hard drives inperformance. The motivation to call it a “drive” comes from the factthat it is serving the purpose of a part that has traditionally beenmechanically driven. However, note that nothing is being mechanicallydriven in a flash drive. Advantages of using flash memory or flashdrives with the portable computer is there is little delay time whenstarting up, such as is the case when booting conventional computers,which drivers take time and also various hardware and softwarecomponents are checked before the computers are able to be operated by auser. Also, flash memory is non-volatile, which means that it does notneed power to maintain the information stored in the device, and as aresult, the portable computer in many embodiment requires only low powerfor operation, which can be readily supplied by batteries or similar lowpower sources, such as solar cells. The flash memory can also betailored to provide as much storage capacity as may be desired dependingon the particular application.

In addition, as various embodiments of the portable computer can becomprised of minimal components, since the portable computer readerwould take up the remainder of the components, such as the monitor andkeyboard of a shell computer referenced above, the costs of the portablecomputer would be greatly reduced over the costs of conventionalcomputing systems. Moreover, use of cost efficient technologies, such asflash memory, can further reduce the costs of the portable computer. Asa result, the portable computer in certain embodiments may be viewed asa disposable device due to the cost efficiencies. Also, the small sizewould result with the device being more environmentally friendly even ifdisposable as compared to conventional computers. In other embodiments,due to the cost efficiencies, businesses can utilize the portablecomputer as promotional items, which are provided to users at no cost,or provided to a user who may purchase a related product, such asoperating system software, i.e. Windows, or for subscribing to adesignate service, such as an internet service provider. In theseembodiments, the portable computer reader, i.e. the monitor/keyboard orreader, can be supplied by the business for use with the portablecomputer or purchased by the user. In addition, in other examples,portable computers may be provided at no or minimal charge to studentsor employees, who would be able then to use the portable computer withportable computer readers located at designated areas provided by theschool, university , business or government, as examples.

Among other features, the reader may include, as an example, accordingto various embodiments, one or more comprising WiFi, Bluetooth, USB's(i.e., 3 as an example, or any other desired number), Ethernet, HDMI,Audio I/O, and an optional HDD. The reader may also comprise one or moreof 3G/4G (WiMax), CDMA, and GSM, as well as other alternatives.

Biodigital PC Specifications (i.e., “The Card”) may include, as anexample, according to various embodiments, one or more comprising, amongother parts, Intel Atom Z550 CPU (such as 2 GHz) with Controller, DRAM(such as 2 GB, but other amounts may also be utilized), SSD (32 GB to128 GB, as an example). The Card may be tailored to run Windows 7 (orother) and can also support any Linux based OS or other operatingsystems as desired.

The following sets forth still further illustrative examples andembodiments.

Internet Television: The reader may be incorporated into a television(“TV”) or similar device that will enable the TV to accept The Cardcreating a fully functional computer able to connect to the internet (orother network) via, for example, WiFi or Ethernet connection, allowingthe user to surf the web, watch Internet TV, or conduct Video over IP,as examples. In various embodiments, certain of the components of thereader, as set forth in the illustrative embodiments above, may beutilized to facilitate such incorporation into a TV in a cost effectivemanner.

For Cable Set Top Box: The reader can also be incorporated into a cableset top box or similar device to provide the same functionality listedabove as with the internet television. For example, the video out of thereader can be linked to a 2nd (HDMI out to allow PIP viewing on TV) orto the video circuitry of the cable box allowing the user to switchbetween cable television and the computer (Internet TV, Video over IP,etc).

Camera: A camera may be incorporated onto or otherwise integrated into atelevision, cable set top box, reader, or other device that is incommunication with either of these foregoing components, to provideadditional functionality for use with The Card. For instance, The Cardmay be used for the purpose of providing access to and communicationover the Internet or any other network, such as via an Internettelevision or a cable set top box described above, or using any otherconventional communication devices and over any media, such as overcable, telephone lines, and/or any wireless networks, etc. The cameracould be used for purposes of viewing persons situated in front of thecamera and which would then be displayed either locally on thattelevision or remotely on any other destination television reachableover a network. This could be used, for example, as a type of videophone to communicate with individuals that are at remote locations, orjust for use as a monitor to display on the television locally. With useof picture-in-picture or split screen capability, it would be possibleto display the image from the camera and one or more other items ondifferent parts of the screen at the same time, such as broadcasts,Internet access, cable, video, teleprompter, etc.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimsshould be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments ofthe invention which may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

1. A system comprising: a portable device comprising at least onestorage component; a reader for interaction with the portable device tocommunicate with the data storage component; a processor for providingthe reader and the portable device with computing capabilities; and alink for communication to a network
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one of a television or a cable set top boxassociated with the reader.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the readeris housed within the television or the cable set top box.
 4. The systemof claim 2, wherein at least one of the television or the cable set topbox is in communication via the link to the internet.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the interaction of the reader with the portable devicecreate a fully functional general purpose computer able to connect tothe internet.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the link comprises atleast one of a WiFi or Ethernet connection for communication to theinternet, to allow one or more of surfing of the world wide web, watchinternet television, or conduct video over IP.
 7. The system of claim 4,wherein the reader is in communication with at least one of thetelevision and cable set top box for switching between televisionviewing and access to the internet.
 8. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a camera.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the camera is atleast one of associated with or housed within the reader, a television,or a cable set top box.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the camera isin communication with the television, for viewing persons situated infront of the camera for display at least one of locally on thetelevision or remotely on any other destination television reachableover the network.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable devicecomprises a card.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the link comprisesone or more of cable, telephone lines, and wireless networks.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a video phone in communicationwith a television, and with the video phone associated with or housedwithin at least one of the reader, the television, or a cable set topbox, wherein the video phone at least one of communicates over thenetwork with individuals at remote locations, or displays an image fromthe video phone on the television locally.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein the television comprises at least one of picture-in-picture orsplit screen capability, and the image from the video phone and otherdata accessed via the network is displayed on the television at the sametime, and on different parts of the screen.
 15. A computing andcommunication system comprising: a portable device comprising at leastone storage component; a reader for interaction with the portable deviceto communicate with the data storage component, wherein the interactionof the reader with the portable device creates a fully functionalgeneral purpose computer; and a link for communication over a network.16. A computing and communication system of claim 15, wherein the linkis in communication with the reader and the reader is associated with atleast one of a television or a cable set top box.
 17. A computing andcommunication system of claim 16, wherein the reader is in communicationwith at least one of the television and cable set top box for switchingbetween television viewing and access to the network.
 18. A computingand communication system of claim 17, wherein the network comprises theinternet, and the link comprises one or more of a WiFi, Ethernetconnection, cable, telephone lines, and wireless networks forcommunication to the internet, to allow one or more of surfing of theworld wide web, watch internet television, or conduct video over IP. 19.A computing and communication system of claim 18, further comprising avideo device associated with or housed within the reader, thetelevision, or the cable set top box, for at least one of communicatingover the internet with individuals at remote locations, or display animage on a monitor locally or remotely on any other destination monitorreachable over the internet.
 20. A computing and communication system ofclaim 19, wherein the video device comprises at least one of a camera ora video phone, and the portable device comprises a card.
 21. A computingand communication system of claim of claim 20, wherein the televisioncomprises at least one of picture-in-picture or split screen capability,and the image from the video device and other data accessed via theinternet is displayed on the television at the same time, and ondifferent parts of the screen.